Franklin University and Urbana University Announce Partnership Agreement

Franklin University, a private, nonprofit institution of higher education and leading educator of working adults in central Ohio has entered into a partnership agreement with Urbana University, a private university in west central Ohio effective April 28, 2014.

Built on collaborative and on-going relationships, this partnership will assure Urbana’s ability to continue to serve students effectively. Working together, Franklin and Urbana’s executive leadership will identify strategies to position Urbana University for short and long term success.

“We are excited about the opportunities facing our university as a result of Franklin and our community banks,” said Dr. Kirk Peterson, President, Urbana University. “We are deeply grateful to Security National Bank, Perpetual Federal Savings Bank, Champaign Bank, and Peoples Savings Bank, for their extraordinary cooperation, commitment, and compassion for the greater good of the Urbana community, without which this agreement with Franklin University could not have taken place.”

Through this agreement, Franklin’s competency in teaching effectiveness and technology-enhanced programs will be combined with Urbana’s current strengths to create improved growth strategies and deliver quality programs.

“We welcome Urbana University into the Franklin family,” said Dr. David Decker, President, Franklin University. “The alignment of our two universities leverages the synergies of career-oriented and student focused approaches to create a foundation that positions Urbana to continue their mission to educate aspiring students.”

In the end, the goal of this agreement is to better serve Urbana’s students, alumni, faculty, and staff by preserving the Urbana University brand and reputation.

About Franklin UniversityFounded in 1902, Franklin University is one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. Annually, nearly 10,000 students attend Franklin, through its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, three Central Ohio locations, regional locations in Beavercreek, Ohio and Indianapolis, as well as at five co-locations across Ohio, in addition to online. Franklin offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. The University's MBA program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe and the Middle East. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.

Franklin University, a private, nonprofit institution is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

About Urbana University
Founded in 1850, Urbana University serves more than 1800 students from around the world from its 128 acre campus nestled in the quaint town of Urbana, Ohio. Known for innovative academic programs that feature personal attention from faculty, the University offers more than 30 undergraduate programs and several graduate degrees, delivering course work in class, online, or a combination of both. Blue Knights athletics includes 15 NCAA II sports along with intercollegiate bowling and shooting sports.

Urbana University was the first college in the state to offer a nontraditional degree completion program and the second institution of higher education in Ohio to admit women. Founded by friends of John Chapman, the famous frontiersman called “Johnny Appleseed,” the campus is home to the Johnny Appleseed Museum, a rich collection of the personal artifacts and history of this 19th century American hero.